Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent concern about having another attack or significant changes in behavior to avoid triggering one. While many people experience a panic attack at some point in their lives, Panic Disorder develops when the fear of panic itself becomes central to someone’s daily experience. It affects about 2-3% of adults annually and often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.

What is Panic Disorder?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. What distinguishes Panic Disorder isn’t the panic attack itself—those can happen in other anxiety conditions—but the ongoing dread and behavioral changes that follow. People with Panic Disorder often begin avoiding places or situations where they’ve had an attack before, or where escape might be difficult if another one occurs. This avoidance can become as limiting as the panic attacks themselves.

Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack

Panic attacks involve a cluster of physical and psychological symptoms that can feel overwhelming. During an attack, people may experience:

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Sweating, trembling, or shaking
• Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
• Chest pain or tightness
• Nausea or stomach distress
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Chills or hot flashes
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Feeling detached from reality (derealization) or from yourself (depersonalization)
• Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying

Treatment for Panic Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly panic-focused CBT, is highly effective for Panic Disorder. Treatment helps you understand the physiology of panic, challenge catastrophic interpretations of physical sensations, and gradually reduce avoidance behaviors. Interoceptive exposure—a technique that involves deliberately triggering mild physical sensations similar to panic symptoms in a controlled setting—helps break the association between those sensations and danger. Many people also benefit from learning breathing and grounding techniques. Medication, such as SSRIs, can be helpful when panic attacks are frequent or severe. The goal is to reduce both the frequency of attacks and the fear surrounding them.

If panic attacks are limiting your life or causing constant worry, Miami Counseling & Resource Center specializes in evidence-based treatment for Panic Disorder. Reach out to schedule a consultation.